Penn Leads the Vote | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 26th amendment — vote this fall

By Penn Leads the Vote · July 21, 2021

Penn Leads the Vote encourages students to vote on the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 26th amendment: the amendment that granted Americans 18 and older the right to vote.

Jaden Cloobeck | NROTC students take classes with exams. Why don’t they count for credit?

By Jaden Cloobeck · July 21, 2021

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck argues that it is unacceptable for NROTC students at Penn to have their naval science coursework go uncredited. 

Asaad Manzar | A letter to the new transfer class

By Asaad Manzar · July 16, 2021

Columnist Asaad Manzar writes a letter to Penn's new transfer class, offering advice to new students adapting to Penn for the first time. 

Andrew Dunn | A letter from a recovering achievement addict

By Andrew Murray Dunn · July 14, 2021

Guest columnist and 2012 Wharton graduate Andrew Murray Dunn writes about the folly of achievement culture and blind pursuit of the rat race.

Jaden Cloobeck | Why Amy Gutmann was a transformative president, and what we need next

By Jaden Cloobeck · July 11, 2021

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck writes about how Amy Gutmann transformed Penn during her tenure at Penn, and how her successor should prioritize listening and open communication with Penn's student body.

Matthew Liu | No, a new president will not change anything

By Matthew Liu · July 11, 2021

Columnist Matthew Liu argues that members of the Penn community should not expect significant changes with the University president that succeeds Amy Gutmann. He writes about how criticisms directed towards her often reference issues that are inherent to all large institutions. 

Andy Yoon | Why America is at risk of obsolescence

By Andy Yoon · July 6, 2021

Columnist Andy Yoon writes about the folly of American exceptionalism and how the United States isn't always going to be on top — unless we do something about it.

Lexi Boccuzzi | Inside the importance of independence day

By Lexi Boccuzzi · July 4, 2021

Columnist Lexi Boccuzzi writes about the 4th of July, and how celebrating it is not incommensurate with valid criticism of our nation.

Matthew Liu | The subverted progressivism of Thomas Paine

By Matthew Liu · July 4, 2021

Columnist Matthew Liu writes about how one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Paine — was the surprise progressive at the heart of America's inception.

Surayya Walters | Why didn't I learn about the Tulsa Massacre in school?

By Surayya Walters · July 3, 2021

Columnist Surayya Walters writes about the Tulsa Massacre and how important it is for Americans to learn about it in all aspects of academics, including business. 

Jaden Cloobeck | Constructive Patriotism is True Patriotism

By Jaden Cloobeck · July 3, 2021

Columnist Jaden Cloobeck writes about constructive patriotism and how criticism isn't a sign of disrespect — it's a sign of love for one's nation. 

Caroline Magdolen | So you want a third party? Support ranked choice voting.

By Caroline Magdolen · June 27, 2021

Columnist Caroline Magdolen writes about ranked choice voting and how it is a better way of electing candidates compared to the standard winner-take-all system. She argues that we should include ranked choice voting wherever we can — starting with the clubs and organizations that we are a part of. 

Lark Yan | My tastebuds might never be bored again

By Lark Yan · June 26, 2021

Columnist Lark Yan writes about cooking, a habit she developed in the wake of COVID-19. She describes the excitement, friendships, and joy that resulted from her pandemic-inspired time in the kitchen. 

Maisy Sylvan | The Philadelphia Zoo is open for the summer — don’t go

By Maisy Sylvan · June 24, 2021

Guest columnist Maisy Sylvan argues that despite being popular attractions, zoos are immoral in their violation of animal wellbeing and that we should avoid them. She offers animal-friendly alternatives to frequent during the summer as we decide on post-pandemic plans.

Asaad Manzar | We need to rethink our pandemic habits

By Asaad Manzar · June 24, 2021

Columnist Asaad Manzar writes about the habits — both good and bad — that we formed over the pandemic, and how we should use the summer as a chance to recycle our helpful habits and kick the negative ones. 

Matthew Liu | COVID-19 Vaccine Patent Protections and the Private Innovation Lie

By Matthew Liu · June 23, 2021

Columnist Matthew Liu argues that profit-focused pharmaceutical companies undermine the humanitarian mission behind large-scale vaccination efforts that are needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Jaden Cloobeck | Honoring a Jewish watermelon merchant and a Canadian frontiersman

By Jaden Cloobeck · June 20, 2021

For Father's Day, columnist Jaden Cloobeck goes into family archives to celebrate two of his ancestors from centuries past.